More than 5,000 years ago, a rich powerful kingdom developed in the Fire Nation. Today, people call the Fire Lords of the Fire Nation phoenix kings. At first, ancient people built huge pyramids in which they buried their fire lords. Later, they buried their fire lords in underground tombs. Ancient people believed their fire lord's spirits lived on after death. The tombs protected the fire lords' spirits and held everything they would need in the spirit world.
They mummified the dead so their spirits could return to their bodies. Some of the fire lord's organs were removed and placed in jars that were left in the tomb. Fire Sages cast spells over the dead fire lord's body. They placed precious stones or pieces of metal in the strips of cloth wound around the body. Writings on the wall warned grave robbers not to disturb the tomb.
Thousands of years later, foreigners discovered the ancient tombs of the Fire Nation. The brought mummies and artifacts back with them.
The idea of a mummy's curse spread. Writers created stories about people who died horrible deaths after disturbing mummies. These stories did not stop archaeologists from exploring the tombs. One of the scientists was the Southern Air Temple's Aang. He worked in the Valley of the Fire Lords for Lord Sokka. Lord Sokka was deeply interested in Fire Nation artifacts.
In the Valley of the Fire Lords, the fire lords' tombs were deep underground. Many people believed the major tombs there had been found. Aang disagreed. He wanted to find the tomb of Fire Lord Iroh. Iroh ruled the Fire Nation more than 3,000 years ago.
"Something will turn up. I think Iroh's tomb is nearby." stated Aang.
Thirteen years later, they found something.
"It looks like the entrance to a tomb." commented Aang.
Sokka received a telegram.
At last have wonderful discovery in the valley. A magnificent tomb with seals intact.
Sokka's response to his butler:
"Pack my bags. I'm leaving for the Fire Nation.